Admirals Can't Track Down Moose

Milwaukee, WI -- In a showdown between the North and West Division leaders, the Manitoba Moose got an early lead and outlasted the Milwaukee Admirals in their final meeting this year as they won 4-2 Saturday night at the Bradley Center.

The Moose wasted no time getting their first goal as they were able to deflect the puck past Milwaukee netminder Mark Dekanich at 2:11 of the first period. Keith Seabrook controlled a pass from Guillaume Desbiens at the right point and let go a wrist shot towards the goal where Manitoba's leading scorer Segei Shirokov was there to re-direct the puck past Dekanich for the tally.

The Admirals power play unit answered back as they notched a goal off of the hot stick of Grant Lewis. After multiple power play saves by Manitoba goaltender Tyler Weiman Milwaukee finally got the equalizer at 9:47 of the first period. Andreas Thuresson slid a pass across the slot to Lewis, who then squared up and blasted a slapshot over the shoulder of Weiman to light the lamp for his ninth point in as many games. Chris Mueller also recorded an assist on the power play goal.

Halfway through the second period the Moose went on a 5-3 man advantage and the Admirals penalty kill unit did all they could to keep the puck out of the net, but couldn’t survive the length of two penalties as the Moose netted their second goal at 8:36 into the period. Yann Suave received the puck and worked his way to the right dot where he fired a shot top-shelf over Dekanich's shoulder for the power play tally. Cody Hodgson and Keith Seabrook earned assists.

Then with just 23 seconds left in the second period Manitoba was able to get their second power play goal of the game, this time from Desbiens. Shirokov took a shot from the left point and Desbiens was in good position in front of Dekanich to re-direct the shot into the net to for the eventual game-winner.

The Admirals were able to stay alive on a great play by Aaron Johnson and Ryan Flynn early in the third period. Ads winger Dylan Hunter wrapped the puck around the boards to Johnson who was sitting at the left point. Johnson then spotted a wide open Flynn sitting back-post and sent the puck cross ice. Flynn batted the puck out of the air and past Weimen to bring the Ads within a goal at 2:59.

In the final minute of the game and the Ads with an extra skater, Manitoba was able to clear the puck from their zone and Hodgson let a shot go from the blue line as he was falling for the empty netter to seal the victory.

Dekanich made 26 saves in the contest and took the loss to move his record to 22-10-5 on the season. Lewis continued his strong play as he recorded points in consecutive games, while Mueller also has points in consecutive games.

The Admirals return home Friday, March 11 at 7:00 pm against the Rockford IceHogs. Fans can purchase tickets by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or logging on to milwaukeeadmirals.com. Group discounts are available starting with just ten people and get a minimum of $2 off the face value. For more information or to purchase group tickets fans can call the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550 or visit milwaukeeadmirals.com. Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook.